How Much Does It Cost To Install An EV Charging Station?
Below you’ll find out the average cost for an electric vehicle charging installation and considerations and challenges you may have in installing level 2 and level 3 chargers.
Home Charging Infrastructure
Overview of Home Charging
Most EV owners charge their vehicles overnight at home during off-peak electricity hours. This approach ensures a fully charged vehicle at the start of each day.
Portable Chargers for PHEVs
For Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) with a range of 30-50km, the standard portable charger supplied with the vehicle, which connects to a 10amp or 15amp home socket, might suffice. These chargers require 8-12 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 Charging Stations
For enhanced charging speed and safety, a Level 2 electric vehicle charging station is recommended. These stations offer connectivity to both the vehicle and smart home or solar PV systems. The hardware costs range from $1,000 to $2,500.
Installation Considerations
Installation should be executed by a licensed electrician. A simple setup can cost around $800 and take approximately an hour. More complex installations, requiring circuit and breaker upgrades or involving less flexible charger locations, can exceed $1,000.
Public AC Charging Stations
Hardware and Installation Costs
Public EV charging stations, such as those in workplaces and shopping centres, are more costly than home chargers. Single-port public EV charging station hardware typically costs between $1,950 and $3,000. Type 2 Socket systems are preferred for their accessibility and minimized damage risk. Installation costs decrease with the number of chargers installed.
Economic Implications
Installation is the major cost factor in public EV chargers, comprising 60-80% of the total cost. The critical determinant is the distance to the breaker box, with installations beyond 40m being economically unviable.
Site-Specific Costs
Car park and garage installations are more cost-effective, averaging around $6,000. Curbside and pedestal-mounted stations can incur higher costs due to trenching or directional boring requirements. Additional expenses are expected for stations requiring internet or 4G connectivity for management and billing.
Public DC Charging Stations
Hardware Costs
Level 3 or DC EV charging stations, offering rapid charging to 80% in 30 minutes, have high hardware costs ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 per station. These stations are compatible with CHAdeMO, CCS, or Tesla connectors.
Installation Expenses
Installation costs, potentially ranging from $15,000 to $60,000, are driven up by the need for a 480V transformer, electrical supply upgrades, permitting, and increased labor.
Conclusion
The economic feasibility of a level 2 and level 3 charger installation is governed by multiple factors including the installation complexity, and site-specific requirements. Hopefully you now have a foundational understanding for stakeholders and consideration for an EV charging station setup.